The people of Greenland want to be part of the United States, President Donald Trump said in comments to journalists aboard “Air Force One“, DPA reported.
“I think the Greenland issue will be resolved with our participation. I think we will get it. And I think the people want to be with us, as you know. There are 55,000 people there who want to be with us“, Trump said.
He added that he did not actually know what claims Denmark had for the autonomous territory, but a possible refusal on its part to agree to the US proposals would be “a very hostile act“.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Mout Egede says the Greenlandic people will decide the future of the territory. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen supports his comments.
Greenland is the world's largest island and is largely self-governing, although it is part of the Danish monarchy, DPA reports. Denmark provides defense and controls the island's foreign policy.
Greenland's geographic location is key, and the island is believed to be rich in resources and vital natural resources.
In his comments, Trump said the United States would "get Greenland" because it is about freedom in the world, and that the United States is the only power that can ensure that freedom.
The United States currently has a military base in northern Greenland.
Trump refused to rule out the use of military force or economic measures, and indicated that Russia and China are interested in the region.
"Right now there are Russian ships, there are Chinese ships, there are ships from different countries. The situation is not good, and I think we will get it (Greenland)," he said.